Archive for March, 2013

Ball’s Pyramid has–you guessed it–a pyramidal shape reminiscent of Zermatt’s Matterhorn. Technically an erosional remnant of a shield volcano and caldera formed millions of years ago, the rocky islet named after its discoverer Lieutenant Henry Lidgbird Ball is located 12 miles southeast of Lord Howe Island in the Pacific Ocean. At 1844 feet in height, this Australian wonder is a climber’s paradise. Apparently, it’s not so bad for the “tree lobster” as well. The rarest of species, it was discovered clinging to the last bit of plant life surviving on this prehistoric rock.

Newport, Rhode Island boasts a spectacular coast, a charming waterfront and imposing mansions from the Gilded Age. No wonder it’s widely considered to be one of New England’s greatest destinations. This episode of Travelrific Radio® highlights the sights not to miss.

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The American Indians named Canada’s Mont Tremblant “Manitou Ewitchi Saga” after Manitou, the god of nature. Legend has it that Manitou could make the mountains tremble–hence the name “Mont Tremblant” (trembling mountain). Today the mountain trembles with the roar of skiers and hosts the premier ski resort in eastern North America. In keeping with the season, there are other outdoor activities, too: snowmobiling, sleigh riding and ice climbing, for starters.

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Canal laden Spreewald is sometimes referred to as Germany’s Venice. Situated about 62 miles southeast of Berlin, it was designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 1991, a designation reserved for those locales that have demonstrated best practices in environmental conservation. Its compact labyrinth of 171 miles of navigable waterways makes punting one of the most delightful and common means of getting around. What may be less commonly known is that the region was originally settled by Slavic tribes who remain in the area today and lend it their language. When you’re there, be sure to sample the gherkins, the region’s agricultural hallmark.

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Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris recently attained 850 years in service. A yearlong celebration, begun in December, includes two stamps issued by the national mail delivery service La Poste and a set of nine new bells for the towers–eight for the North Tower and one for the South Tower. Named after saints, the new bells will harmonize with the older, main tenor bell named Emmanuel, considered to be one of the finest bells in Europe. To preserve it for future generations, one of the new bells was cast as a second great bell to accompany Emmanuel in the South Tower. The new bells will ring for the first time this weekend (Palm Sunday) to kick off Holy Week.

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For those women wishing to meet up with a friendly face in a foreign country, there’s an international fellowship organization waiting to help you. Women Welcome Women World Wide (known as 5W) boasts 2400 members speaking over 100 languages from 80 countries. Whether you seek accommodations with a local hostess or just a meetup, hospitality is right around the corner.

Ireland’s Garinish Island in County Cork is best known for its subtropical gardens in Bantry Bay. Try telling that to the attention-grabbing seal colony living in the harbor waters. Unfazed by the hum of ferries between the island and the main pier at Glengarriff, the 250-strong seal colony stands ready to strike the pose.

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